International Relations

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Transcript of International Relations

WhyFew nations can exist alone independent of its surroundingBenefitsTypes of International RelationsConclusionDiplomacy and cooperation between states usually offers benefits over overt conflicts and wars.Benefits usually fall under Economy, Security, State Sovereignty & Problem-solving. Nevertheless, negotiations may still fail at times -> the need for an army to serve as a deterrence. EconomicBenefits are of a commercial/economic natureSecurityModen day threats are not bound by physical barriers or bordersMaintaining State Sovereignty Bilateral RelationsRegional RelationsInternational RelationsSingapore and DiplomacyDiplomacy as the next part of Singapore's two-pronged approach.In fact, Diplomacy can be summarised to be:negotiations to gain a strategic advantage or cooperation to seek a mutually acceptable/beneficial outcomeDiplomatic ties has benefits

Can be analyzed from 4 perspectivesWhy (Cont')Conflicts over resources/decisions, state/national level emergencies are inevitableSingapore is a small state and highly vulnerable to cross borders changesSmall states also rely heavily upon foreign communities for their survival.Diplomacy is the main engine, and a very powerful one at that, for making her voice heard globally This acts as a strong incentive to support international cooperation.The form it takes can vary depending on the situation. For example:Simple trade agreement between neighboursSuzhou Industrial ParkThree areas:Why the need?Benefits of DiplomacyMeans of DiplomacyNations may cooperate towards a common goal of fighting terrorism.

Maintaining a strong defense force capable of responding to situations is part of both DEFENCE and DETERRENCE.Increases weight behind its international policies via cooperation and alliancesDiplomacy plays a role in Regional and International Relations.3 main types of Diplomatic Relationships for SingaporeEach differs in its characteristics, and plays a different role in contributing to Singapore's International Relations.Each diplomatic relationship is equally important on a different scale. Has greatly impacted Singapore's economic and social developmentSome examples include:Diplomatic relations signed between 2 countriesMore efficient, but loses out in global impact and sphere of influence President Tony Tan receiving the Brunei Crown PrinceSingapore/Brunei enjoys excellent economic and defence tiesReaffirm strong bilateral cooperation, underscored by our Currency Interchangeability AgreementWhen agreements are signed between more than 2 countriesusually neighbouring or within the same regionCombines strength of member nations when dealing with global powers or associations. Notable involvements includes but are not limited to:ASEANSAARCEUASEANASEAN was founded on 3 aims2003 Singapore-US Free Trade AgreementDrastically reduced barriers for movements of citizens and goods between themSupporters claim the agreement leads to a growth of exports and trade. Formed as a response to geo political and economical instability and changes during the 1970sNeed for stability and trust within the region.Promote Economic, Social and cultural DevelopmentProtect Peace and StabilityProvide opportunities for members to resolve disputes peacefullyASEAN initiativesASEAN has several policies in play for the benefit of its member nationsExamples includes:ASEAN Free Trade AgreementASEAN Regional ForumsBut ASEAN initiatives are still heavily influenced by global situationsEg: 44th ASEAN meeting saw no official statement due to China's ambiguous stance over territorial boundaries.Singapore & ASEANAgreements between multiple countries and groups throughout the globeThe United Nations, or UN remains one of the most major body of countries.UN membership affirms a state's sovereignty and independence through providing protection and helping to settle territorial disputesDid you Know??There are 196 countries in the world, of which 193 are member states of the UN.Can you think of any reasons why some states may not be a member? What does it mean for those states? The UN as an organisation has a structure where member nations elect representatives to attend or chair conferences.Follow up from the previous 2006 visit

Structure of the UN6 Major organs of the UNGeneral AssemblySecurity CouncilSecretariatInternational Court of JusticeEconomic and Social CouncilTrusteeship CouncilSecurity Council5 Permanent Members, 10 non-permanent membersMain roles includes peacekeeping operations, international sanctions and military activities. or even as aCross-continent commercial venture1991 SQ117 Plane HijackState security is a matter of multiple allied nations working together against a common enemy. PM Lee on Brunei Bilateral TiesK.Shanmugan: "Being in a neighbourhood, where everyone [country] is successful is good for us"Pavin: "small country...difficult to compete...in ASEAN all members are equal"Singapore also benefits enormously from the growth of its neighbours (ASEAN).Peaceful cooperation or discussion via diplomacy has more benefits for parties involved rather than going to war.Recap Quiz!!!!1: What is it that makes both Deterrence and Diplomacy so critical to Singapore's continued survival?While conflicts are inevitable hence making deterrence indispensable, it is usually best avoided via diplomacy due to the disadvantages it poses.These issues are magnified in small states like Singapore, which depends heavily upon foreign communities for economic and security benefits.

Quiz Time!!!!2: In a hypothetical situation you are Minster of Foreign affairs for Country X. Recently your country has been experiencing cases of maritime [sea] piracy. What would you do and why? Did you seek your neighboring country and engage in a bilateral discussion? Or did you approach your regional community to start a motion proposing a joint effort against piracy? Both are acceptable with suitable reason. On the other hand, seeking aid from the UN would be inappropriate, as the issue is a local/regional issue which the UN does not usually involve itself in.Note: UNSC is also not an appropriate answer.Problem-solvingAid in solving common problems like the haze, avian flu and transnational terrorism.Why is there a need to help other countries with their problems?We don't live independently of one another. Everything that happens around us will affect us in one way or another. To ensure our survival and that our interests are protected, we need to help others.Singapore has no hinterland or strong backer to support her; hence the need to rely on her neighbours to sustain development

ASEAN membership, globalisation and economic benefits are closely linkedSingapore and ASEANEducation and professional exchangeEconomic cooperation and assistanceEnvironmental collaborationThrough ASEAN:forged better relations with neighboursan avenue for SG to have peaceful discussions to settle disputes with allows countries to manage environmental issues through peaceful dialogue (e.g. haze)Singapore and the UNUN Law of the Sea ConferenceProfessor Tommy Koh was President of the Third UN Conference on the Law of the Sea from 1980-1982Security CouncilSG elected by the UN General AssemblyServed as a non-permanent Security Council member from 2001-2002SG served as President of the Council in Jan '01 & May '02UN peacekeeping operationsSG involved in many UN peacekeeping efforts since 1989Case Study: Pedra BrancaDiplomacy at workDispute between SG & Malaysia over a strategic island (Pedra Branca) in 1979Case brought up to ASEAN but it was not resolvedWent to International Court of Justice (UN) to settle the matterSG's claim was accepted